they halted at the doors of the first of these edifices. Here priests
stood with torches--at least, they judged them to be priests from the
symbol of the snake's head tattooed upon their naked breasts--ready to
conduct them to their lodging, for now the night was closing in rapidly.
Soon they found themselves within the walls of a great house, built in
the usual way with rough boulders, but on three sides of a square, and
enclosing a courtyard in which a fountain bubbled. The furniture of
the house was rude but grotesquely carved, and in the courtyard stood
a throne, sheltered by a roof of turf, and fashioned of black wood and
ivory, with feet shaped like those of a human being. Indeed, as they
afterwards discovered, this was the palace of the king, Olfan, who had
been summarily ejected by the priests to make room for the newcomers.

Here in this strange dwelling the attendant priests assigned them all
quarters, the Settlement men in one wing, Leonard, Francisco and Soa in
the other, and Juanna and Otter in two separate apartments in the body
of the building. This arrangement involved the separation of the
party, but it was difficult to offer objections, so they were forced to
acquiesce in it. Presently women entered bearing food, boiled corn, milk
in bowls, and roasted flesh in plenty, of which Leonard and Francisco
ate with thankfulness.

Before they went to sleep Leonard looked into the courtyard, and was
somewhat alarmed to find that guards were stationed at every door, while
in front of those leading to the apartments of Juanna and Otter stood a
body of priests with torches in their hands. He made an effort to pass
through these guards in order to visit Juanna, but without a word
they lifted their great spears and stopped him, and for that time he
abandoned the attempt.